This snapshot taken on 17/03/2009, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.

Food and Drink

Beef labelling

Important - Transfer of beef labelling work to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) in Carlisle

Please note that the administration of the beef labelling system for England transferred from Defra to the Rural Payments Agency on 30 April 2008. The RPA takes over responsibility for the day-to-day running of the voluntary Beef Labelling Scheme and compulsory system for England, and becomes the overall UK lead on policy management of the system in place of Defra. This means that new scheme applications and requests for additional claims, and related enquiries, along with general advice on the system, is handled by the RPA. Defra’s Beef Labelling Section in London has been disbanded. A letter was issued to interested parties (below).

If you require advice on beef or veal labelling please contact the RPA. The contact details are as follows:

Meat Technical Schemes (MTS)
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA)
Eden Bridge House
Lowther Street
Carlisle CA3 8DX

Telephone: 01228 640369
Fax: 01228 640524
e-mail: MTS.carlisle@rpa.gsi.gov.uk

Consultation on The Beef and Veal Labelling Regulations 2008 (England)

European law introduced new rules on the marketing of the meat of bovine animals aged 12 months or less with effect from 1 July 2008 (Council Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007 as amended by Council Regulation (EC) No. 361/2008). The Beef and Veal Labelling Regulations 2008, due to come into force from 19 January 2009, will incorporate enforcement powers for the existing EU Beef Labelling legislation as well as including enforcement powers for the new EU rules on the marketing of the meat of bovine animals aged 12 months or less.

A detailed Question and Answer Guidance Note explaining the new EU rules on the marketing of the meat of bovine animals aged 12 months or less has been produced to assist the industry.

If you have any further questions on the labelling of beef or veal please contact the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) which implement the beef and veal labelling rules (see contact details above).

The following documents are for information:

See also

Page last modified: 23 December 2008

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs